From January 24 to 25, the national judo championship took place in Osh, featuring both men and women. This competition was an important stage for selecting athletes for the national team of Kyrgyzstan, which will represent the country at international tournaments.
In the weight category up to 73 kg, the winner was Nurmukhamed Bakirdinov, while silver was won by Islam Bayalinov, who is the head coach of the women's judo team.
Bayalinov, who ended his career over ten years ago, returned to the sport in 2025, where he took third place in the same weight category. At the recent championship, he achieved three victories and reached the final, earning a silver medal.
Throughout his career, Bayalinov has repeatedly become the champion of Kyrgyzstan. After finishing his professional career, he became the coach of the youth national team and continued to participate in competitions among veterans. In 2023, he won the title of world champion among veterans in judo, and in 2025, he won gold at the veteran world championship in sambo.
On January 31, Islam Bayalinov will turn 40 years old.
